Measures intended to protect military personnel from foreclosure advance in N.J.

A bill unanimously backed by the New Jersey Assembly would defer payments and interest on mortgage loans for military reservists and National Guard members who are called to active duty.

The legislation aims to ease concerns about the risk of missed payments and foreclosure while military personnel are deployed, said Assemblyman Bob Andrzejczak.

“While they’re fighting for our country, they’re really not worried about paying bills. They’re worried about staying safe and protecting themselves along with everybody that they’re serving with,” said Andrzejczak, D-Cape May.

“Not only that, a lot of times they’re in areas where they don’t have access to the Internet to be able to make payments,” he continued. “It really is difficult for a service member to be able to keep on top of that while trying to stay alive at the same time. I know when I was in Iraq I didn’t bring my checkbook with me.”

Another bill passed by the Assembly passed would give returning servicemen and servicewomen 12 months of protection against foreclosure.

Andrzejczak said that would give them time to readjust to civilian life and catch up financially.

“Within a year, hopefully, they would be able to find employment or get back into their old position and be able to get back on track and not have their house be lost in foreclosure,” he said.

Both measures are awaiting action in the Senate.